Balenciaga's Bizarre Sportiletto Sandals

Impractical and outrageous, the colorful version of these shoes is an energetic cross between sports gear and a child’s toy. Nicolas Ghesquiere, creative director for Balenciaga and winner of the ACE Awards 2008 Designer of the Year, says the shoes were inspired by snowboarders.

Observers disagree, citing Fisher-Price roller skates and LEGOs as the more apparent inspirations. Lauren Messiah deemed them, "freaky hooker shoes." I’ve included images of the aforementioned Fisher-Price roller skates and of the boots and bindings used for snowboarding so you can come to your own conclusion. For the woman with more subdued taste, there are other sports-inspired stiletto versions.

While Balenciaga’s stilettos and boots are favorites among celebrities, the $1,400 price tag, down from the initial price of over $4,000, puts the Sportilettos beyond reach for the mere mortals I know. To the rescue--or ruin, depending on your point of view--comes Steve Madden with knockoffs for under $100.

Not being one for the conventions of age-appropriate attire, I’d ignore the opinion that they are destined for the young, sporty female, and "more mature" persons wearing them would appear ridiculous. These shoes are ridiculous. Why should only the young have fun?